2018 Toyota C-HR Review
Price Range: $9,999 - $21,998





+68
Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers
Manager, Written Content
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
- Sporty handling makes it fun to zip around turns
- Comes standard with plenty of features, including advanced safety
- Swoopy styling helps it stand out
Cons
- Unlike on most rivals, all-wheel drive isn't available
- Even in this slow class, acceleration is lethargic
- Navigation, satellite radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto not offered
- Pervasive road and engine noise in the cabin
What's new
- The Toyota C-HR is an all-new model
It's no secret that Americans don't buy hatchbacks and station wagons en masse anymore. But the last two decades have revealed that people really like them if they ride a bit higher, have optional all-wheel drive and look more like an SUV — i.e., a crossover. The outrageously successful Toyota RAV4 is a prime example, and now Toyota is hoping you'll have a similar affinity toward the all-new 2018 Toyota C-HR.
For sale nearby
38 listings
- 126,034 miles
- 2 accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- One Toyota of Oakland (5 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
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Located in Oakland, CA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (27 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: NMTKHMBX3JR061231
Stock: 251848A
Certified Pre-Owned: Yes
Listed since: 04-19-2025- $12,945good price$848 below market
- 118,688 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Driveway (145 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Fresno, CA
High Demand,Rare Find,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Lane Keeping Assist,4 Cylinder Engine,4-Wheel Disc Brakes,A/C,ABS,Adaptive Cruise Control,...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (27 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: NMTKHMBX6JR049039
Stock: JR049039PX
Certified Pre-Owned: No
The C-HR is smaller and more affordable than the RAV4. In fact, it was originally developed for Toyota's now-defunct Scion brand, which largely explains the C-HR's flamboyant styling and sporty handling. These two key attributes, along with the extensive list of standard safety features, are the main reasons to consider the C-HR in our opinion.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Toyota C-HR as one of Edmunds' Best Small SUVs for this year.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
6.4 / 10Consider the new 2018 Toyota C-HR if you're shopping for a subcompact crossover or hatchback. Its swoopy bodywork, sporty handling and many standard safety features distinguish it from other more utilitarian competitors.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium (2.0L inline-4 | CVT | FWD).
Scorecard
Overall | 6.4 / 10 |
Driving | 6.5 |
Comfort | 6.5 |
Interior | 7.0 |
Utility | 6.0 |
Technology | 6.0 |
Driving
6.5There's no getting around it: The C-HR is slow. You really need to plan your moves in advance because there's a long delay before it starts moving. Once underway, acceleration is weak. That's really too bad because otherwise it's a dynamically capable little crossover.
Acceleration
4.5The C-HR is one of the slowest vehicles we've tested, taking a considerable 10.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. Acceleration is characterized by a long hesitation between a pedal stomp and any forward motion. This is true whether you're stopped or trying to pass slower traffic on the highway.
Braking
7.0Coming to a stop from 60 mph required 119 feet, which is about average for cars in this class. In panic-braking tests, we experienced moderate nosedive and some residual bounce, but the C-HR tracked straight and remained controllable. In everyday driving, the brakes operate just as you'd expect.
Steering
7.0There's not much feedback coming through the wheel, but it feels direct and accurate in a sporty kind of way. At parking lot speeds, the effort is appropriately low and weights up as speeds increase. Sport mode makes effort a little too heavy.
Handling
8.0We were pleasantly surprised to discover that the C-HR is somewhat entertaining to drive on a twisty road, even with a not very powerful engine and a lack of grip from low-rolling-resistance tires. There's noticeable tire squeal under moderate cornering, and the tires really howl when pushed harder.
Drivability
7.0The small footprint and turning radius make it easy to maneuver the C-HR into tight spaces. The transmission works fine, but it's relatively unremarkable. Though the C-HR is classified as a subcompact crossover, the low chin spoiler scrapes on parking blocks and many driveways.
Comfort
6.5In terms of overall comfort, the C-HR is pretty good, but the amount of noise that makes its way into the cabin is a letdown. Over a long trip, that noise can add to the fatigue factor. Everything else seems to be well-executed in this regard.
Seat comfort
7.5Even though there aren't a lot of adjustments, the front seats offer good padding and support to keep occupants comfortable over several hours. The fabric upholstery also breathes well in hot weather, eliminating the need for ventilation or cooling.
Ride comfort
6.5For the most part, the C-HR delivers a comfortable ride. Smaller road imperfections are smoothed over as well as they are in other small SUVs, but there's a little jostling over moderate undulations.
Noise & vibration
5.0The C-HR is loud inside. There's a noticeable amount of wind noise, even below highway speeds. Road noise is also present and increases at higher speeds and over coarse asphalt. The engine drones like a wounded cow under hard acceleration, and we noted an annoying rattle in the back of the cabin.
Climate control
7.0The simple controls for the dual-zone climate control make it easy to operate, and the overall performance is good. Once the system was set, we never felt the need to readjust it.
Interior
7.0The C-HR's interior is reasonably attractive thanks to a rather simple layout. It can accommodate adult passengers in all seats, though there are some drawbacks for taller drivers and rear passengers. Despite a few issues, we think most drivers will be fine with the interior over the long run.
Ease of use
6.5The C-HR's simple layout is attractive, and the main controls are easy to operate for the most part. Some of the more advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control, were a little more difficult to figure out. Some staffers mentioned having to consult the owner's manual.
Getting in/getting out
7.0Front passengers have easy seat access afforded by a slightly higher seating position, which makes slipping into the cabin a breeze. There's no climbing up or stooping down. Rear passengers need to dip their heads a little to clear the sloping roofline, a trade-off of the C-HR's sporty styling.
Driving position
6.0The steering wheel doesn't telescope back far enough, even for average-size drivers. As a result, you have to sit closer and more upright than preferred. Drivers smaller of stature should be just fine.
Roominess
7.0There's more interior space than you'd expect from such a small crossover. There's plenty of room up front in all dimensions. The rear seats can indeed hold regular adults in decent comfort. But the thick rear roof pillar and high windows might feel a little claustrophobic.
Visibility
8.0Outward visibility is excellent thanks to the thin and well-profiled front roof pillars. The rear window is big enough to see all you need despite the big rear pillars. And there's very little guesswork when backing into a space so you won't have to rely on the tiny rearview monitor.
Quality
7.0The interior is well-designed and uses quality materials that exceed expectations for the class. Were it not for an annoying rattle in the back of the car, this score could have been higher.
Utility
6.0It should come as no surprise that subcompact crossovers are limited when it comes to cargo capacity, but the C-HR has one of the smallest maximum spaces in the class. You'd be better off thinking of it as a raised hatchback rather than a crossover.
Small-item storage
6.0There's an acceptable amount of storage for your personal items, with small door pockets, decent-size cupholders, and a center armrest bin that is about average in size. The typical smart storage solutions that Toyota is known for are absent.
Cargo space
6.0With the rear seats in place, you have 19 cubic feet of cargo space, which splits the difference between the C-HR's primary competition. The maximum capacity is 36.4 cubes, which is significantly smaller than any other subcompact crossover.
Child safety seat accommodation
6.5LATCH anchors are easily accessed, but a rear-facing child seat will require you to move the front passenger seat well forward.
Technology
6.0Toyota on the whole has been lagging behind the competition when it comes to technology, and the C-HR is an example. It lacks the smartphone integration that rivals include as standard. But it does offer more advanced safety features and driver assistance.
Audio & navigation
6.0The audio system in the C-HR is decent but not at all impressive. It lacks some bass overall, but clarity is acceptable. The touchscreen mounted atop the dash is easy to read at a glance and operate with minimal distraction, too.
Smartphone integration
5.0Puzzlingly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered. With no factory navigation available, this is even more odd to us because the touchscreen only controls audio. On top of that, we experienced occasional slowdowns in the system's response.
Driver aids
8.0We never had any frontal collision warnings, which either means it's well-tuned or not working (we're inclined to think it is working). Adaptive cruise control works well and operates down to a stop. The lane-keeping system is also good, but it only alerts you and doesn't steer you back in line.
Voice control
6.5The voice controls worked pretty well, but considering that the system only operates the audio and phone, it's acceptable at best.
Which C-HR does Edmunds recommend?
The Toyota C-HR is well-equipped in its base XLE form, with automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control and traffic-adapting cruise control all standard. Considering the C-HR's high starting price (compared to the rest of the class), you might be wary of paying more for the XLE Premium, our recommended trim. But it doesn't cost much more than the XLE and includes desirable features such as heated front seats and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. We think it's worth paying just a little more for the luxury and safety additions.
Compare 2018 Toyota C-HR trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2018 Toyota C-HR models
The 2018 Toyota C-HR comes in just two trim levels, though you do get a lot of standard features on both. The well-equipped base XLE comes loaded with just about everything the C-HR has to offer. Stepping up to the XLE Premium involves a relatively modest price bump and adds a few more luxury and safety features. Though there are no stand-alone factory options, a number of dealer-installed accessories are available, including a roof rack and cargo storage solutions.
Every C-HR is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (144 horsepower, 139 pound-feet of torque) matched to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Standard features on the XLE include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights with automatic high-beam control, LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, remote locking and unlocking, a driver information display, adjustable driving modes, a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, height-adjustable front seats, a 60/40-split rear seat, a cargo cover, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system with HD radio and a USB port. Several advanced safety and convenience features are also standard, including traffic-adapting cruise control, brake hold at stoplights, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning and intervention.
Upgrading to the XLE Premium trim gets you foglights, keyless entry and ignition, power-folding mirrors, heated front seats with two-way power lumbar for the driver, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

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Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.84 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$210/mo for C-HR XLE
C-HR XLE
vs
$229/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Toyota C-HR Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(51%)
4(20%)
3(8%)
2(7%)
1(14%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Zips Right Along
5 out of 5 starsAnthony Sanseverino, 09/04/2017
2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
After reading a couple of other reviews that said acceleration (especially to Highway speeds) was poor, I was quite apprehensive about leasing/purchasing this vehicle. But, after a test drive that allowed me to accelerate quickly, and get on the freeway, I've come to the conclusion that those other reviewers must be use to V-6, or V-8 power. Or, they aren't use to the smoothness of the … CVT. As someone who transitioned from a 4-cylinder 2005 Toyota RAV-4 to the 2018 C-HR, I believe that the acceleration is quite adequate. And, a couple of times, I've had my head pushed back against the head-restraint. While I'm not one who needs a Navigation system to show me where to go, the Bluetooth connection for my cell phone (though, I don't use it often) is a great thing to have. Now, I've only had the car for a little over a week, but so far, it's been AWESOME! And, if the on-board computer is to be believed, the MPG on each trip has ranged from very good to absolutely fantastic (ranges between 22.6 to 40.8). While the SmartKey system took a bit of getting use (I've been turning a key for over 40 years :) ), it's a great feature. My only complaints are: the base model should also be equipped with the BSM system, RCTA and Backup camera; considering the sportiness of the car, dual-exhaust would have been neat (luckily, I can buy (and have bought) bolt-on dual-exhaust tips; and a choice of interior colors (I love the exterior Metallic Silver Knockout, but the black interior gets hot during the summer months in Phoenix, AZ).
Hot Little SUV
4 out of 5 starsBAS, 07/05/2017
2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
We were looking to replace wife's 2010 Ford Edge Ltd. (loved the car- Ext warranty run out) We decided not to go back to Ford as the Edge has design and structural flaws in the newer model. (first had experience through Sister-in-law - Ford could not fix) We looked at and test drove VW, Jeep, and did not like the looks of Mazda, Nissan, Chevy, and did not want the high-end models, BMW, … Porsche, Jag. I had seen the Ch-R in reviews - So I suggested Toyota - WHAT? We have never owned a Toyota, Drove the Rav 4 (edge like and size) drove the 86 (too small) Drove the CH-R. Wife loved it (5'-2") sporty 2 door look with 4 doors, hatchback, good gas mileage, and I (6'-1") rode in the back seat without too many problems, comfy even. BUT - only comes in two trim level with virtually no extras. NO NAV - can't get it in the CH-R, Cloth Seats. BUT - Toyota dealer customized the car with two tone Leather (like the Rav 4) and Remote Start. Wife loves the car, Small, (easy to drive and park) Sporty (great design look) and Priced right (under 26000) We look forward to many years with this car.
Super Sporty
5 out of 5 starsSober Boss, 10/07/2017
2018 Toyota C-HR XLE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I owned a Subaru Legacy and had thought to buy another when the time came to purchase. I was blown away the first time I saw this in a parking lot. I love that it looks like a 2 door. Felt like it would be above my price and was happy to find it affordable for a beautiful new car. I test drove it and then walked away for a week. Went and drove a Subaru Crosstrek, Nissan Rogue Sport and … Mazda 3 then went back to the CHR. I smiled and laughed the whole time I was driving this car. So much more fun then the others. Handles great, speedy and sporty. I have had so many comments that it looks like a car from the future or a spaceship. I love that, couldn't stand the thought of a boring sedan. I took a risk and went for the red, I had the windows tinted and it looks hot! No worries about it being a new model since it is a Toyota. Dealership was wonderful and made the sale a pleasure. Hope to have it for a long time. The only down side is the small back windows do create more of a blindspot than I am used to and if I had children in the back seat I don't think they would be able to see out. But since I don't have kids it is not an issue for me.
Great little car
4 out of 5 starsGeorge, 09/18/2017
2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Before I purchased read all the reviews (europe) included. Front legroom is great unless you're a basketball player as well as rear legroom. Used to own a 5.7L hemi V8 and while the power is obviously less in the sport mode it's still pretty peppy. If you want a good radio/nav system you'll have to go aftermarket like I did and put the rearview camera through that screen and not use the … rear view mirror screen (sometimes too much reflection). Love the safety features and the styling. Good gas mileage and plenty of power entering the highway and passing. Want better gas mileage use the economy mode.
2018 Toyota C-HR videos
Driving the Race-Prepped, 600-Horsepower Toyota C-HR R-Tuned
What does it take to turn the subcompact and fuel-efficient Toyota C-HR into a race car? That's what Toyota sought to find out with the C-HR R-Tuned. Built by Toyota partner DG-Spec, this car is no longer a friendly commuter — it now sports as much as 600 horsepower and 300 pounds of downforce. To prove its credibility, Toyota invited Edmunds Senior Writer Carlos… Lago to Willow Springs International Raceway for a closer look and a brief test drive.
2018 C-HR Highlights
XLE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $210/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 19.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the C-HR models:
- Full-Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Maintains a set distance between the C-HR and the car in front while cruise control is active. Can bring the C-HR to a complete stop.
- Pre-Collision System
- Warns the driver when it approaches an object in front too quickly. Automatically applies the brakes to prevent or reduce potential impacts.
- Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist
- Alerts the driver if the C-HR wanders out of its lane. The C-HR is guided back to the lane if the adaptive cruise control system is active.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover14.2%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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